I've been wanting to see a Ronnie Burkett marionette show for some time now and last night I finally did, catching 10 Days on Earth here in Montreal on it's last stop on a full world tour. Burkett is an acclaimed puppeteer who writes and performs each of his productions as well as crafting each of his characters at his Toronto-based studio (click here for a behind-the-scenes tour).
10 Days on Earth is his tenth major production. It's a charming and sad show which centres on Darrell, a middle-aged intellectually challenged man who lives with his mother. She dies in her sleep one evening without him realizing it and we see Darrell navigate the next ten days alone, with a couple friends, and with a few imaginary children's book characters. The entire show is performed by Burkett, who for two straight hours switches often and effortlessly between characters, puppets, and scenes. Great to see.